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Kid's Classic I Forgot to Read: The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes

With our upcoming event with Tony Fucile, we couldn't help but be reminded of an awesome book that came out more than 40 years ago that's as good today as it was then: The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes. It was originally titled The Iron Man: A Story in 5 Nights, but the title was changed when the superhero superceded Hughes' novel in popularity. There's movie (that upcoming guest Tony Fucile worked on),
which is AMAZING and every one should watch it, but is totally
different than the book. And even if you've seen the movie (which I
agree, is awesome) you should still read the book and hopefully you'll
like it even a fraction as much we do. Fun, simple, full of startling and direct symbolic
imagery, The Iron Giant is a great book for reluctant readers
obsessed with Star Wars and the kids who can already read Harry Potter
(with a parent) ages 7-10. Hughes, who was the poet laureate of the UK for many years, adeptly utilizes gorgeous visual metaphors that are accessbile to kids, but with room for growth. It's one of those books that will grow up with the child as thier reading skills develop and mature, and as such makes this a great book for parents and kids to read together and discuss. It was written especially to be read one chapter a night over five nights, making it the perfect story to read before bed.